Novation FLpad

The Novation FLpad is a USB-C controller for the FL Studio DAW software, featuring an 8x8 matrix of 64 21mm RGB pads that are velocity-sensitive and support polyphonic aftertouch. It offers direct integration with the Channel Rack, sequencing for up to 4 instruments, Note and Patterns modes, Graph Edit, the Channel Rack Mixer, and 4 Custom Modes.

Developed by Novation in collaboration with Image-Line, the FLpad is a matrix controller designed specifically around the workflow of FL Studio and, in particular, its Channel Rack. The 64 RGB pads allow you to program steps, play drum parts and melodic instruments, create and manage patterns, and directly adjust the parameters of individual notes without constantly having to use the mouse and keyboard. The goal is to bring a more physical and immediate approach-similar to that of a groovebox-into FL Studio.

A Controller Truly Designed for FL Studio

The FLpad shares the 8x8 grid concept with the Launchpad family, but its operational architecture is different. The firmware, interface, and DAW scripts were developed specifically for the workflows of FL Studio and the Channel Rack. So this isn't simply a Launchpad with different screen printing: the operating modes, navigation, and layout of the controls have been built around the way FL Studio organizes instruments, sequences, and patterns.

64 RGB pads sensitive to velocity and polyphonic aftertouch

The control surface consists of 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads arranged in an 8x8 grid. They can be used both for programming the sequencer and for playing percussive and melodic parts. In Note mode, the grid can operate chromatically or be constrained to a scale. For FPC, Slicex, and Fruity Slicer, dedicated layouts are called up, which are particularly useful for finger drumming and sample manipulation.

The Novation FLpad's pads also support polyphonic aftertouch. Although FL Studio's stock (built-in) virtual instrument plug-ins do not currently support polyphonic aftertouch, this feature can be utilized with compatible third-party plug-ins loaded within an FL Studio project.

Sequencers 1x, 2x, and 4x: Up to Four Instruments Simultaneously

One of the key features of the FLpad is direct control of the Channel Rack's Step Sequencer. Sequencer mode offers three configurations: 1x, for controlling a single instrument over 64 steps; 2x, for two instruments with 32 visible steps each; and 4x, for simultaneously controlling four instruments with 16 steps each. This allows you to build kick drum, snare, hi-hat, bass, or other parts together, while maintaining an immediate visual representation of the sequences on the RGB matrix. The length of the patterns can also be set directly via the hardware to 8, 16, 32, or 64 steps, while the Page controls allow you to navigate through longer sequences.

Notes, Patterns, and Channel Rack Right at Your Fingertips

Note mode transforms the grid into a control surface for playing melodic parts, chromatic runs, scales, or as a layout for drum parts. With Patterns, you can create, select, delete, and duplicate project patterns directly from the controller. Channel Rack mode lets you select and play different instruments and, within the same interface, view and edit their respective sequences. A Channel Rack Mutes view is also available, which is useful during arrangement or performance to quickly mute and unmute individual instruments in the Channel Rack.

Graph Edit: Edit the parameters of each step in the grid

Novation FLpad also brings FL Studio's Graph Editor to the hardware. Graph Edit mode lets you select one or more steps in the sequence and directly edit Note Pitch, Velocity, Fine Pitch, Panning, Mod X, Mod Y, Shift, and Repeat. This means you can adjust not only whether a note is present or absent, but also its expressive and temporal characteristics-for example, by working on dynamics, pitch, stereo positioning, modulations, or repeats-without interrupting your workflow.

Mixer, Pan, and Transport Controls

In Channel Rack Mixer mode, the matrix transforms into a series of horizontal faders to control the volume of the instruments in the Channel Rack. A secondary function similarly allows you to adjust the pan of individual channels. The colors of the controls match those assigned to the instruments in the Channel Rack, simplifying the visual identification of the various elements of the project. Surrounding the matrix are controls dedicated to navigation and FL Studio's main operations: Play/Stop, Record, Score Log, Undo/Redo, Clear, Tempo, and Quantize, as well as the Page and Channel Rack/Octave buttons. Score Log also allows you to retrieve MIDI material that was played without having previously activated recording.

Four Custom Modes with Novation Components

FLpad can store four Custom Modes, configurable via Novation Components. Custom layouts let you define a pad configuration tailored to specific FL Studio projects or to control other MIDI software and hardware, expanding the controller's use beyond the preconfigured modes.

USB-C Port for MIDI and Power

A single USB-C port handles both power and data transfer simultaneously. FLpad is therefore fully USB bus-powered and does not require an external power supply. It is class-compliant and certified compatible with recent Mac, Windows, and iOS systems. It also features a Kensington lock slot. With a chassis just 18 mm thick, a surface area of 24 x 24 cm, and a weight of 0.83 kg, the FLpad can easily fit alongside keyboards and other controllers, even in relatively compact setups.